Dennis Julian Franklin

Dennis was born in Santa Paula on November 8, 1940 to Ruth and Lonnie Franklin. He was raised in Ojai by his loving foster parents, Esther and Allen Craig.

After graduating in 1959 from Nordhoff High, he remained a lifelong fan of Nordhoff Football and was recognized for his participation in the construction of the school stadium. He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962, and was stationed in Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall. He married in 1963 and raised his children in Ojai, which he considered the best place on Earth. He retired from Sam Hill and Sons in 2002. Dennis most enjoyed college football, camping, and being with family and friends.

“Big D “was famous for his barbeques, Taco Tuesdays and his always-full camping coffee pot. He was a friend to people of all ages and is already missed by so many who knew and loved him.

Dennis is survived by Wendy Franklin, his wife of 47 years; son and daughter in law, Brett and Yvonne Franklin, of Ojai; daughters Diana Franklin, of Ojai, and Marni Franklin, of San Diego; grandchildren, Nicholas Franklin and Julia Franklin, of Ojai; sisters, Beverly Brown of Vancouver, WA and Jeanne Franklin of Thousand Oaks; brother, Les Franklin of Medford, OR; and nephew, Jimmy Parker, of Santa Barbara.

He was preceded in death by his parents, foster parents, sisters Marge Parker and Roberta Burchette, and brothers Harvey Franklin and Lonnie Franklin.

A celebration of Dennis’ life will be held on Sunday, December 19 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the home of Vance and Cheryl Simms, 240 Boardman Road, Ojai. All friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to The Nordhoff High School Ranger Gridiron Club, 1401 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, 93023, or to Livingston Memorial Hospice Program , 1996 Eastman Ave. Suite 101, Ventura, 93003.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com.